| Jazz |
It happens from time to time that we encounter our friend Nguyên Lê contributing to Italian productions, as is the case with this latest album by Massimiliano Cignitti—a bassist, composer, and arranger of remarkable talent. This time, the Roman artist pays tribute to the extraordinary singer Edda Dell’Orso, famously dubbed “the voice of Morricone” for her interpretations of some of the most iconic themes in Italian film scores over the past forty years. Dell’Orso’s legacy extends further still, as she collaborated with all the great masters of film music in the storied history of Italian cinema.
The album offers original arrangements of ten celebrated compositions by Ennio Morricone and Piero Piccioni, each tied to emblematic cinematic works, alongside an original piece by Cignitti himself. These tracks are performed by an exceptional ensemble including Sara Della Porta, Clara Simonoviez, Lorena Falbo, Matteo Impilloni, Juan Carlos Albelo, Mieko Myazaki, Giancarlo Ciminelli, Marco Guidolotti, Thierry Valentini, Carlo Rosati, Fabio Servilio, Mauro Scardini, Alessandro Di Nunzio, Marco Rovinelli, and featuring the distinguished Franco-Vietnamese guitarist Nguyên Lê in an extraordinary collaboration.
Moreover, the album benefits from superb sound quality, thanks to the expertise of Italo-Swiss sound engineer Marc Urselli, a three-time Grammy Award winner with seven nominations, who masterfully mixed the entire project from his studios in London and New York.
From our perspective, the addition of guitarist Nguyên Lê offers a fresh perspective on Morricone’s works, opening them to a more global and international interpretation. The choice of vocal artists is equally inspired; while one unmistakably hears Morricone, there is an undeniable sense of something more. The arrangements are dreamlike, completely transporting the listener. One perceives, almost with every note, that for Massimiliano Cignitti, the fifth art—cinema—is likely a primary wellspring of his creative passions. His ability to craft such vivid and visionary musical imagery is profoundly compelling.
Edda Dell’Orso herself resonates deeply with this new creation, as evidenced by her heartfelt words:
“Dear Massimiliano, thank you for the moving thought you dedicated to me. You brought me back to the days when I sang while dreaming, thanks to the gentle melodies of those films. You created delicate and original arrangements that reveal your versatility. The singers who beautifully interpreted these immortal melodies, along with all the musicians who participated in the project, were excellent.” — Edda Dell’Orso
What more can be said? This album astounds by steering clear of imitating the original interpretations, instead offering a wholly modern reimagining of the works of the great Italian master. The presence of our friend Nguyên Lê serves as the crowning touch, a “cherry on top” within a perfectly cohesive ensemble. With exceptional mixing and an extraordinary sense of artistry, this is an album as delightful to gift during the holiday season as it is to savor for oneself—whether you are a lover of Morricone, a jazz enthusiast, or a devoted fan of Nguyên Lê. In every sense, it is an indispensable masterpiece, just the kind we adore.
Thierry De Clemensat
USA correspondent – Paris-Move and ABS magazine
Editor in chief Bayou Blue Radio, Bayou Blue News
PARIS-MOVE, December 3rd 2024
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